[smartd]

n American in the RCAF with No. 424 Squadron, Jim Keys and crew flew "Dipsy Doodle" prior to completing most of their operations in "Gallopin Gerty". Peter Engbrecht was the mid-upper gunner and Gordon Gillanders manned the rear turret. The two formed what was undoubtedly the most successful gunnery team in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, accounting for nine "confirmed" and two "probable" enemy fighter aircraft. During a raid to Bourg-Leopold in Belgium on the night of 27/28 May 1944, "Dipsy Doodle" was attacked fourteen times by enemy night-fighters nearly all operating in threes. Two of the attacking fighters were shot down by Engbrecht and Gillanders.





Hit the links to read the story of the air gunners.

[smartd]

During 1943, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios based in Hollywood, California offered to "adopt" the Royal Canadian Air Force's No. 427 Squadron that was flying Halifax Bombers. A special presentation was held to formalize the relationship. Mr. Samuel Eckman Jr., managing director of M.G.M. (England), attended and the No. 427 commanding officer, Dudley Burnside, was present as well. Featured at the event was Halifax DK-186 (ZL-L). The bomber was painted with nose art featuring the M.G.M. lion (with wings) flying while holding a bomb between its paws. The bomber was named "London's Revenge". HALIFAX B Mk V. From this point on, many of the squadron's aircraft were named for MGM ladies whose names began with the same letter as the aircraft's code letter.

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Those are great stories for 'Dipsy Doodle' and 'London's Revenge'. The 'Dipsy Doodle' Mk III has a rich story and legacy when you follow the provided links. When Corgi starts looking for candidates for their next Mk IIIs, they need look no farther than this thread.

We still need Mk IIs though, too, as there appears to be a shortage. Anyone?

JPN

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by smartd

During 1943, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios based in Hollywood, California offered to "adopt" the Royal Canadian Air Force's No. 427 Squadron that was flying Halifax Bombers. A special presentation was held to formalize the relationship. Mr. Samuel Eckman Jr., managing director of M.G.M. (England), attended and the No. 427 commanding officer, Dudley Burnside, was present as well. Featured at the event was Halifax DK-186 (ZL-L). The bomber was painted with nose art featuring the M.G.M. lion (with wings) flying while holding a bomb between its paws. The bomber was named "London's Revenge". HALIFAX B Mk V. From this point on, many of the squadron's aircraft were named for MGM ladies whose names began with the same letter as the aircraft's code letter.

Originally Posted by JustPlaneNuttz

Those are great stories for 'Dipsy Doodle' and 'London's Revenge'. The 'Dipsy Doodle' Mk III has a rich story and legacy when you follow the provided links. When Corgi starts looking for candidates for their next Mk IIIs, they need look no farther than this thread.

We still need Mk IIs though, too, as there appears to be a shortage. Anyone?

JPN

Yeah, thanks smartd.........great stuff !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with everything J.P.N. says above, re; 'Dipsy-Doodle' & 'London's Revenge' ***

That's what I love SO MUCH about threads like these, that make the Forum SO INTERESTING & become compelling-reading.

I've said before (to Cruv' in a P.M.) that really this whole (M.H.II) forum should have a complete-section where the threads are 'sticky' & carefully-managed (so they're NOT crowded with 'overkill') & PLACED IN A 'RESEARCH-SECTION' named 'Reference' (i.e. Photo's) so we can (individually) refer to them time & again............

Currently, many good posts/pictures MAY sink without trace & often a subject covered is raised again - understandable in discussion - but it's a shame that a photographic-reference section can't be accessed time & again....... i.e. 'nose-art' & 'Squadron-codes'....... in one single easy accessed 'thread' ???????????? (just a suggestion)

BTW, was VERY pleased you mentioned about 'London's Revenge' as the actual nose-artwork is ALSO featured on the bottom of that 'Esci' 1/72nd Decal-sheet that I scanned (from my collection)....... & attached to 'Post' No.13, on this thread.

colours appear to be interpreted differently (slightly) but you can study the idea (by supersizing it = click on the 'mauve' cross (upper-left) & it's suddenly VERY readable............)

Interesting that the Guy who'd done the reasearch for Esci, back in the mid-seventies, DIDN'T know the Codes.....

which you've now kindly provided smartd (Top-Man !).............. DK.186 ZL*L Many-thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


BTW, LOVIN' the thread..... VERY interesting !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tank nut]

More art from metal canvas, all of these were on RCAF Halifax's

[JustPlaneNuttz]

OK -- I have another one -- a Mk I -- but can use the same casting -- one of Bomber Command's most important!

Over the Christmas period it hit me like a tonne of bricks! Sod the nose art -- let's get back to luminaries. One of the biggies was Leonard Cheshire, VC, DFC, etc, etc. Below is a VERY brief bio . . .

'After the outbreak of the Second World War he joined the Royal Air Force. He was posted to 102 Squadron and by August 1942 had been promoted to squadron commander of of 76 Squadron. In March 1943 at the age if twenty-five he became the youngest group captain in the RAF.

In November 1943 he was given command of 617 Squadron and over the next few months developed new low-level marking techniques that dramatically increased bombing accuracy.'

If you can get your hands on the book 'Bomber Command 1939-45' by Richard Overy, you can also find out more about Leonard and his Brother Christopher, also a famous Halifax Mk I pilot (MP•L, L9530). There is also a cracker companion DVD, but it is in PAL format, so I no-gottz. In the book, he is quoted as saying in the caption by the photo below:

“I loved flying. I found the dangers of battle exciting and exhilarating, so that war came easily to me.”

He flew over 100 missions spread over 4 tours. Two of those tours were in Halifaxes, one in Lancasters and the other in Whitleys. As C/O, he also personally flew as a target marker in Mosquitoes for his squadron, and later did it in a 'borrowed' P-51. After marking the target at roof-top level with flares, he would then circle around in a figure eight and guide in his bombers and -- vamoose! You can also read about his RAF life up to 1943 in his self-authored book 'Bomber Pilot' available used from Alibris. Fascinating read!!

Of course, what he did AFTER the war was probably more important by establishing the Leonard Cheshire Disability Foundation.

Not a lightweight -- by any means.



PHOTO: 'Bomber Command 1939-45' by Richard Overy 1997, page 64



My apologies for not having a better picture.


JPN

[no4mkit]

That's a great suggestion JPN, I've long admired Leonard Cheshire. Saw his VC on display at the RAF Museum Hendon a few years ago.

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by no4mkit

That's a great suggestion JPN, I've long admired Leonard Cheshire. Saw his VC on display at the RAF Museum Hendon a few years ago.

Thanx, no4 -- Yeah, this fella was one un-selfish person alright -- a real role model. I wished I was aware of him when I was a kid as I was of Bader and Gibson. That said, I think a model of his Mk I would be a great candidate at SO many levels.

JPN